Career Options for Graduates of the Medical Assistant Program

Receiving your medical assistant certification is an exciting time. With opportunities for growth right at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless on where you can go and what you can do. Many students leave our institution already knowing their career goals, while others may need more guidance to find the option that’s truly right for them. Here, Pennco Tech offers a list of some of the settings you may find yourself in as a medical assistant.

Career Options for Graduates

After completing our program and earning proper licensure, there are several options to consider when choosing the right career path. Medical assistants can work alongside many different types of physicians and serve patients with diverse needs. Some of the most common occupations for certified medical assistants include:

Clinical Assistant

The role of a clinical assistant is to understand the needs of a medical office to ensure that things are running smoothly. As a clinical assistant, you will also be in charge of assisting the doctors and helping patients receive quality care. You may be responsible for additional daily tasks, such as:

• Interacting with patients
• Patient check-in and check-out duties
• Taking vitals, like blood pressure, height, and weight
• Scheduling lab tests, appointments, and follow-up visits
• Setting up exam and procedure rooms
• Organizing and processing lab reports
• Checking insurance information for accuracy
• Medical supply inventory

Depending on the workplace, your role may vary. While larger medical offices may have someone to complete front-office tasks, smaller offices may require that you handle those duties, as well.

Patient Care Assistant

For graduates who have a passion for helping others feel comfortable and cared for, a career in hospice care, nursing home, or hospital facilities can be highly fulfilling. Medical assistants who work in these capacities typically complete tasks such as:

• Taking and monitoring vital signs
• Assisting patients with daily living
• Provide basic nursing care to all patients
• Work under direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge

Because hospice or nursing home patients require around-the-clock care, you should expect to work new and unique hours compared to other facilities.

Specialist Care

If you’re interested in working with children, a pediatrics career may be the perfect option for you. As a pediatric medical assistant, you will be in charge of providing care to patients under 18 years old. Depending on the facility, you may be responsible for many office tasks, including:

• Collecting medical information from patients
• Administering vaccinations
• Preparation for cast applications and cast removal
• Removal of sutures and staples
• Educating patients and their families

Medical assistants can also work in a plastic surgery practice, completing tasks such as:

• Develop knowledge of skincare products, services, and injectables
• Educate patients to increase sales revenue
• Instruct patients on post-procedural care
• Set up the operating room for surgeries
• Ensure equipment is clean and easily accessible
• Inventory control and restock rooms
• Prepare for and attend weekly/monthly staff meetings

Hospitals

For those looking to gain experience in a variety of healthcare areas, a medical assistant career at a hospital may allow you to do so. When working at a hospital, medical assistants are in charge of more paperwork-based duties, such as transcribing treatment notes. As a medical assistant at a hospital, organization is key, as it plays a huge role in keeping the facility running smoothly and efficiently for the doctors, nurses, and specialists on staff.

In addition, medical assistants can choose specific areas in the hospital they want to pursue. For example, they can aid emergency room technicians with providing non-licensed and direct care to patients, offering support and advice when patients need it. They will also ensure that equipment and supplies are clean, sterile, and ready for use. Medical assistants can also help with administrative tasks such as:

• Coordinating reception area activities to promote communication
• Performing clerical and reception duties
• Adhering to confidentiality rules like HIPAA

Earn Your Degree at Pennco Tech

If you’re looking to pursue a medical career, earning your medical assistant certification is the perfect start. With a dedication to providing high-quality and innovative teaching practices, you can trust us with your future endeavors. For more information about the medical assistant program at our campuses in Bristol, PA, or Blackwood, NJ, contact Pennco Tech today.